The New Castle County Division of Police would like to introduce our new 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 (𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘)!

The COPE Unit consists of one full time sergeant and six full time police officers dedicated to maintaining a highly visible law enforcement presence throughout our communities and County parks.

The unit will focus on promoting public safety, deterring criminal activity and disorder, addressing quality of life concerns, and helping ensure our communities and parks remain safe and welcoming for residents and visitors.

COPE officers will address issues such as unpermitted gatherings, unauthorized car meetups, nuisance behavior, and other activities that negatively impact the safe and peaceful use of community and park areas.

You will see COPE officers throughout New Castle County conducting foot, bicycle, utility vehicle, and police vehicle patrols. These highly visible patrols will allow officers to engage with residents and visitors while increasing their presence throughout our communities and parks.

𝗧𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁:

📧 𝗡𝗖𝗖𝗣𝗗𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘@𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗲.𝗴𝗼𝘃 | 📞 𝟯𝟬𝟮 𝟯𝟵𝟱 𝟴𝟮𝟰𝟰

Newark, DE 19720 — On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 3:42 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 800 block of Colorado Drive in the community of Academy Hills for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a 75-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to her upper torso. Officers also located a 77-year-old male in the front of the residence, who was immediately placed into custody without incident.

The female was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. She is currently listed in stable condition.

Detectives have determined this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The New Castle County Division of Police is seeking public comment on its proposed FY2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) local allocation.

The grant funding will support initiatives focused on violence reduction, officer safety, and community policing efforts. Funding will also support the Domestic Violence Unit in providing emergency direct services to victims. This grant will enhance the Division’s ability to address public safety needs, strengthen community partnerships, and improve outcomes for the residents of New Castle County.

Please email your comments to PublicInformationOfficer@newcastlede.gov